Last Wednesday, preparing for my trip to Manila to attend a board meeting was in my “To do” list. Towards noon, I sent my e- ticket to my daughter, Leah, so she could do an online check-in for me. Shortly after, she called me and said, “Mama, your flight just left this morning!”
“Hala …what will I do?” was my shocked reply. I rechecked my ticket, and the program, and true enough, the meeting was slated on Jan. 19-20, instead of Jan. 20-21. Oh, I had to think fast as to how to handle the situation.
Meanwhile, I assumed a “So what if I missed my flight?” I put on a happy face, and even laughed out loud to myself instead of going into panic mode.
I went home for lunch, ate quietly and went to the airport. I inquired at the PAL ticket office personnel if I could rebook in the next flight at 1:40 pm. My questions could not be answered because the supervisor was out for lunch. Anyway, I asked what time the plane left the previous day, and she said, “Around 5:15 pm.”
With this information, I decided to take the afternoon flight. I went home, packed hurriedly, then talked with my husband about the change in my flight schedule. After packing, I went back to the airport. and was in the wait list for the afternoon flight. The plane arrived late and we left at 5:30 pm. I reached Manila after one hour.
Oops…so you missed your flight? Erica Ho (2012) offers the following:
1. Take deep breaths …it’s not the end of the world!
2. Call the airline or your travel agent. You may be accommodated in the next flight, either for free or a reduced fee.
3. Relax…your plane has left. Try to approach the situation as objectively as you can, so you can think clearly.
4. Be nice to the airline personnel; whatever is the cause of the missed flight, do not lose your cool. Focus on what could be done to remedy the situation. Some airlines would put you on standby for the next flight (it happened to me).
5. The “flat-tire rule”. Some may miss their flight because of a flat tire, an accident, heavy traffic or “your ticket got buried by the flood” (in my case, according to my friend, due to our erratic schedule at school as brought on by the inclement weather). If you show up at the airport within two hours of your missed flight, you may be entitled to a free change (I experienced it).
6.Do not book a new one- way ticket (especially in another airline).
7.Notify your hotel/ sponsor/secretary of your association or the one who bought your ticket that you missed your flight so they can make adjustments, even offer a prayer for you.
So you missed your flight? Just like me initially, you will be a little confused, a little bemused (particularly if you are a fan of Zig Ziglar, like me), stressed, and very embarrassed.
But then, you have to act fast because it could happen to anyone. You have to remember, not to put the blame on yourself; you have to choose the best option available.
Go on your merry way, ask for prayers from family, friends, and God’s mercy, as well as implore God to surround you with His angels. Expect the best from your choices and lastly, file the experience under Never Again!
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Author’s email: nenita.tayko@foundationU.com
